Bit holding apparatus for use with a power tool

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a rotatable device, which may be a keyless chuck, a keyless chuck adapter, a collet chuck, a collet adapter, a set screw bit retaining chuck, or a set screw bit retaining adapter. The rotatable device is configured to be mounted to a power tool for rotational driving of the rotatable device. The rotatable device is configured to receive a first bit device detachably mounted in the rotatable device for powering rotational movement of the first bit device. A mounting section having at least one flat secant side is defined on the rotatable device, which is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. The mounting section includes at least one locking mechanism on it. The generally cylindrical mounting section is adapted for insertion in and engagement with a bit holding attachment.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/425,997, filed Jun. 22, 2006, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/004,995,filed Dec. 7, 2004 and which claims priority of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/747,314, filed May 16, 2006 and isa continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US04/39769,filed Dec. 17, 2004, said non-provisional and international applicationsclaiming priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/531,617 filed Dec. 23, 2003, all of whichapplications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties as an integral part of the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to power tools and, particularly, to theuse of power tools including rotating drive mechanisms such as drivechucks and impact wrench drive tools adapted to drill holes such aspilot holes as well as for driving of fasteners and other operationscommonly performed in the field of construction.

2. Background

The keyless chuck was designed to facilitate ease of rapid transferbetween various bits used for different purposes in common power tools,however, it is still significantly time consuming and burdensome torepeatedly disengage one bit such as a drill bit or a driving bit overand over again when performing common construction tasks such asdrilling pilot holes and then driving a fastener into each of thesepilot holes with an appropriate fastener. This construction activity isstill very time consuming even when utilizing the more commonly usedkeyless chuck devices that are currently widely available. Manychangeovers or transfers between one bit and another bit such as thoseneeded between drilling and driving mode would need to be made, often asmany as one hundred or even more per hour, when performing commonconstruction activities, such as, for example, during the installationof decking.

Another common tactic to avoid repeated bit changes is to utilize twoseparate power drills, one set up with a first bit device such as adrill bit and the other tool having a second bit device such as adriving bit mounted therein. However, this procedure introducesadditional expense since two power tools are needed and also requiresthe constant switching back and forth between the two separate powertools, which are fairly large and can be quite expensive.

3. Description of the Prior Art

Many patents have been granted illustrating devices for facilitating useof bit devices for various purposes such as drilling and driving offasteners thereinto which claim to expedite rapid conversion betweenthese two modes of operation for use with power tools such as corded orrechargeable hand drills or impact drivers as well as many others.Examples of such patents include U.S. Pat. No. 1,871,720 patented Aug.16, 1932 to L. F. Meunier and assigned to Chicago Pneumatic Tool Companyon an “Attachment For Driving Spindles”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,293,786patented Aug. 25, 1942 to E. C. Worden and assigned to The Billings &Spencer Company on a “Wrench”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,451,565 patented Oct.19, 1948 to M. Landow on a “Chuck Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,309patented Mar. 22, 1949 to R. Happe et al and assigned to The SingerManufacturing Company on a “Chuck Adapter For Portable Electric Tools”;and U.S. Pat. No. 2,536,017 patented Jan. 2, 1951 to A. A. Bamberger andassigned to Speedo Manufacturing Co., Inc. on a “Rotary Tool HandPiece”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,714,026 patented Jul. 26, 1955 to G. E.Schultz and assigned to R. C. S. Engineering Corp. on a “Rotating ToolConnector”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,614 patented Mar. 8, 1960 to R. B.Ransom on a “Countersinking Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,659 patentedApr. 5, 1960 to R. E. Novkov and assigned to Portage Double-Quick Inc.on a “Quick Change Tool Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,015 patentedFeb. 27, 1962 to M. W. Pankow on a “Reversible Bit Drill Attachment”;and U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,522 patented Jun. 2, 1964 to W. Bell andassigned to Expansion Industries Corporation on a “Drill Chuck”; andU.S. Pat. No. 3,289,290 patented Dec. 6, 1966 to R. P. Sandor on a“Method And Apparatus For Installing Fasteners”; and U.S. Pat. No.3,405,949 patented Oct. 15, 1968 to J. R. Cox and assigned to BalasCollet Company on a “Tool Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,114 patentedDec. 16, 1969 to E. A. Rodin on a “Screw Installing Attachment For PowerTools”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,515 patented May 22, 1973 to E. C. Dudekand assigned to Thor Power Tool Company on a “Power Wrench WithInterchangeable Adapters”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,143 patented Oct. 22,1974 to T. E. Laxson on a “Chuck Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,784patented Aug. 10, 1976 to D. A. Smith on a “Cutting Tool Adaptor”; andU.S. Pat. No. 4,092,753 patented Jun. 6, 1978 to M. E. Fuhrmann on a“Combination Drill And Screwdriver”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,794patented Aug. 26, 1980 to B. Seidel et al and assigned to Illinois ToolWorks Inc. on a “Hole-Drilling And Fastener-Driving Combination Tool”;and U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,795 patented Aug. 26, 1980 to R. J. Ernst et aland assigned Illinois Tool Works Inc. on a “Drill Bit WithFastener-Driving Collar Assembly”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,969 patentedSep. 30, 1980 to J. A. Plessner on a “Universal Chuck Adaptor”; and U.S.Pat. No. 4,413,937 patented Nov. 8, 1983 to G. E. Gutsche on “ElementsFor A Tool System”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,181 patented Oct. 17, 1989to S. Hsu on a “Coupling Member For Securing A Drilling Head To TheRotatable Rod Of A Pneumatic Tool Body”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,641patented Jul. 31, 1990 to A. Alves on a “Clutch Engager Sleeve”; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,033,921 patented Jul. 23, 1991 to S. Yasuhara et al andassigned to Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. and Showa Tool Co., Ltd. on a “TractionDrive Tool Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,496 patented Oct. 1, 1991to G. P Albert et al and assigned to Ingersoll-Rand Company on an“Apparatus For Attaching Power Tool Housing Extensions”; and U.S. Pat.No. 5,110,145 patented May 5, 1992 to P. A. Stewart on a “Power ToolAdaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,118 patented Jul. 14, 1992 to M. W.Walmesley on an “Accessory Tool Apparatus For Use On Power Drills”; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,191,666 patented Mar. 9, 1993 to L. N. Corbin on a“Drill Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,638 patented Feb. 1, 1994 to D.L. Harper on a “Conversation Device For Drills”; and U.S. Pat. No.5,309,799 patented May 10, 1994 to M. B. Jore on a “Transparent SleeveScrew Holding And Driving Tool”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,206 patented toL. M. Krumszyn et al on Jul. 19, 1994 and assigned to Luba Krumszyn onan “Adapter For Power Tools”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,333 patented Apr.25, 1995 to D. Hu and assigned to Ho-Shuenn Huang and Dye-Jon Hu on a“Multiply Functioned Drill Means”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,647 patentedJul. 29, 1997 to R. J. Ray and assigned to GBR Pilot Master, Inc. on an“Auxiliary Chuck And Screwdriver For Electric Drills”; and U.S. Pat. No.5,678,961 patented Oct. 21, 1997 to D. W. Fleege et al on a “QuickChange Adapter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,043 patented Jan. 27, 1998 toT. J. Crawford et al and assigned to Diversified Fastening Systems, Inc.on a “Set Tool And Cap”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,302 patented Aug. 25,1998 to J. F. Khoury on a “Screwdriver Adapted To Be Coupled To AnElectric Drill For Automatic Rotation Thereof”; and U.S. Pat. No.5,951,026 patented Sep. 14, 1999 to W. G. Harman, Jr. et al and assignedto Black & Decker Inc. on a “Removable Chuck”; and U.S. Pat. No.6,033,162 patented Mar. 7, 2000 to K. Uebele et al and assigned to FirmaDreBo Werkseug-Fabrik GmbH on a “Bit Adaptor”; and U.S. Pat. No.6,523,442 patented Feb. 25, 2003 to M. W. Lehnert et al and assigned toAcraDyne Inc. on a “Torque Tool Assembly”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a keyless chuck adapter anda bit holding attachment. The keyless chuck adapter has a longitudinalshaft sized and shaped to be grasped by a mounting chuck of a power toolfor rotational driving thereof. The keyless chuck adapter is separatefrom the mounting chuck. The keyless chuck adapter has a plurality ofjaws configured to receive a first bit device detachably mountedtherebetween for powering rotational movement thereof. The keyless chuckadapter has a sleeve at an outer circumference of the keyless chuckadapter for opening and closing of the jaws for securely gripping bitdevices of different sizes and shapes without using a key or tool. Thekeyless chuck adapter includes a mounting section defined thereon,having at least one flat secant side. The mounting section is capable ofbeing rotatably driven by the power tool. The mounting section includesat least one retaining means thereon or therein. The mounting section isadapted for insertion into and engagement with a bit holding attachment.The bit holding attachment has a mounting cavity sized and shaped toreceive a portion of the keyless chuck adapter having the mountingsection. The mounting cavity has at least one flat secant side sized andshaped to receive the flat secant side of the mounting section. The bitholding attachment has means for engaging the retaining means of themounting section. A forward bit securement means is provided at an endof the bit holding attachment opposite a mounting end thereof, fordetachably receiving and retaining a second bit device therein.

In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a keyless chuck adapter anda bit holding attachment. The keyless chuck adapter has a longitudinalshaft sized and shaped to be grasped by a mounting chuck of a power toolfor rotational driving thereof. The keyless chuck adapter is separatefrom the mounting chuck. The keyless chuck adapter has a plurality ofjaws configured to receive a first bit device detachably mountedtherebetween for powering rotational movement thereof. The keyless chuckadapter has a sleeve at an outer perimeter of the keyless chuck adapterfor opening and closing of the jaws for securely gripping bit devices ofdifferent sizes and shapes without using a key or tool. The keylesschuck adapter includes a mounting section defined thereon. The mountingsection is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. Themounting section is adapted for slidable insertion into and engagementwith a bit holding attachment. The bit holding attachment has a mountingcavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the mounting section of thekeyless chuck adapter while preventing relative rotation between themounting section and the bit holding attachment. The bit holdingattachment has a forward bit securement means at an end opposite amounting end thereof, for detachably receiving and retaining a secondbit device therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments are set forth in the following detaileddescription which may be best understood when read in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an attachment device according to anembodiment of the present invention, showing a protective ring and anenlarged intermediate cavity;

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of an embodiment of an attachment devicewithout an intermediate cavity;

FIG. 2 is an end view of an embodiment of a capping ring according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a capping ringaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing thecircular spring biasing the locking pins inwardly into the mountingcavity with an anti-locking pin in position between the ends of thespring;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a resilient biasing means orspring suitable for use in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a three-quarter isometric view of an embodiment of anattachment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the mounting end of theattachment;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative configuration of the attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention shownincluding an embodiment of a guide sleeve shown in a retracted storageposition;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the configuration of FIG. 9 in an extendedoperating position which can be useful for maintaining a fastener inproper alignment and engaged with respect to a fastener driving bitlocated therewithin attached to the forward end of the housing;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of an attachment according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, used with a generally cylindrical mountingsurface of an adapter;

FIG. 12 is a side assembly view showing a power tool with an embodimentof a new rotatable keyless chuck and an embodiment of a new attachmentdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 with theattachment device installed;

FIG. 14 is a side illustration of a power tool shown with an adaptermounted thereto including a cylindrical mounting surface for affixingwith respect to the attachment device;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of an adapter or chuck used with an embodimentof the present invention shown securable with respect to a drill bitwith a collet adapter;

FIG. 16 is an alternative configuration for a chuck or adapter accordingto an embodiment of the present invention shown with a drill bit devicehaving an integral mounting portion with a hex sided configuration whichcan include a socket end for impact drivers;

FIG. 17 is a side illustration of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a set screw mandrel that takes a drill bit device with a slottedshank, which can also take a round twist drill or a hex shank drillingdevice or a hex shank driving bit or be otherwise driven;

FIG. 18 is a side illustration of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing an adapter member or chuck shown securable with respect to adrill bit device which is hex driven or otherwise driven;

FIG. 19 is an alternative embodiment of an adapter or chuck usable witha bit device which is hex driven or otherwise driven;

FIG. 20 is a side plan view showing an adapter or chuck securable withrespect to a drill bit device with a self-centering guided sleeve;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of a keyless adapter or chuckshown securable with respect to a drill bit device with a hexagonalsecurement shaft attached thereto and a female drive engagement means;

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adapter orchuck showing a set screw as the means for securement of the drill bitdevice therewithin;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a conventional keyed chuck of the prior art;

FIG. 24 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a single sleeve keyless chuck of the prior art;

FIG. 25 is a side plan view of a double sleeve keyless chuck of theprior art;

FIG. 26 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a keyless chuck or adapter defining a cylindrical mountingsurface with at least one locking aperture thereon;

FIG. 27 is an embodiment of the present invention showing a three jawconfiguration for a chuck;

FIG. 28 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a chuck or adapter including a set screw;

FIG. 29 is a side plan view of a keyless chuck or adapter with a socketend made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a single sleeve keyless chuck or adapter including a rotatablecylindrical section with at least one locking aperture defined thereon;

FIG. 31 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention showing a keyless chuck or adapter including a rotatablecylindrical section with at least one locking aperture defined thereon;

FIG. 32 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention showing a set screw mandrel chuck or adapter including arotatable cylindrical section with at least one locking aperture definedthereon;

FIG. 33 is a side plan view of a further alternative embodiment of thepresent invention showing a set screw mandrel chuck or adapter includinga rotatable cylindrical section with at least one locking aperturedefined thereon;

FIG. 34 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a double sleeve keyless chuck or adapter with a cylindricalmounting surface defining at least one locking aperture thereon;

FIG. 35 is a side plan view of a conventional power tool with aconventional keyed chuck;

FIG. 36 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a power tool with a single sleeve keyless chuck mounted thereto,which includes a rotatable cylindrical section with at least one lockingaperture defined thereon;

FIG. 37 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing a power tool with a double sleeve keyless chuck mounted thereto,which includes a rotatable cylindrical section with at least one lockingaperture defined thereon;

FIG. 38 is an illustration of a power tool showing a conventionalkeyless chuck, and also showing an adapter according to an embodiment ofthe present invention, mounted thereto for use in accordance with amethod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a side plan view of a power tool with a conventional keylesschuck with a further alternative embodiment of an adapter according toan embodiment of the present invention mounted thereto;

FIG. 40 is a side plan view of a power tool with a conventional keylesschuck with a further alternative embodiment of an adapter according toan embodiment of the present invention mounted thereto;

FIG. 41 is a side plan view of a power tool with a conventional keylesschuck with a further alternative adapter according to an embodiment ofthe present invention mounted thereto wherein the adapter itselfcomprises a keyed mounting chuck with a male ended adapter;

FIG. 42 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present inventionshowing an impact wrench with a double sleeve keyless chuck with asocket end mounted thereto, which includes a rotatable cylindricalsection with at least one locking aperture defined thereon;

FIG. 43 is a side plan view of a power tool with a keyless chuck and adouble sleeve keyless adapter mounted thereto which defines thecylindrical rotating surface with at least one locking aperture thereonaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a locking pin according to an embodiment of the presentinvention showing an optional locking pin notch in the upper end thereofto facilitate maintenance of biasing engagement between the resilientbiasing means and the locking pin;

FIG. 45A is an exploded view of a collet adapter assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45B is an exploded view of a collet chuck assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46A shows the collet adapter assembly of FIG. 45A after assembly;

FIG. 46B shows the collet chuck assembly of FIG. 45B after assembly;

FIG. 47 is a cross sectional view of an example of a generallycylindrical mounting section with a flat surface thereon;

FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view of a generally cylindrical mountingsection with a flat surface and dimples thereon;

FIG. 49A is an elevation view of a generally cylindrical mountingsection having a longitudinal groove;

FIG. 49B is a cross sectional view taken along section line 49B-49B ofFIG. 49A; and

FIG. 50 is a cross sectional view of a feature of an embodiment of a bitholding attachment.

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the keyed chuck and bitholding attachment;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the keyed chuck andbit holding attachment;

FIG. 53 is a partial cross sectional drawing of an embodiment of thepresent invention when viewed from the proximal end of the sleeve memberof the attachment;

FIG. 54 and FIG. 94 are cross sectional drawings of still anotherembodiment of the present invention having a collar of polygonal prismshape;

FIG. 55 is a side view of an of an embodiment of the attachment deviceshown including an embodiment of the guide sleeve shown in the retractedstorage position;

FIG. 56 shows a side view of the configuration of FIG. 55 in theextended operating position particularly useful for maintaining afastener in proper alignment and engaged with respect to a fastenerdriving bit located therewithin attached to the forward end of thehousing;

FIG. 57 is a side assembly view showing a power tool with an embodimentof a new rotatable keyless chuck and an embodiment of the new attachmentdevice;

FIG. 58 is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 57 with theattachment device installed;

FIG. 59 is a side illustration of a power tool shown with an adaptermounted thereto including a cylindrical mounting surface for affixingwith respect to the attachment device;

FIG. 60 shows a side view of an embodiment of an adapter or chuck shownsecurable with respect to a drill bit with a collet adapter;

FIG. 61 is an alternative configuration for a chuck with a socket endshown with a drill device having an integral mounting portion with a hexsided configuration;

FIG. 62 is a side illustration of a set screw mandrel adapter;

FIG. 63 is a side illustration of the keyless chuck adapter member shownsecurable with respect to a hex drive drill bit;

FIG. 64 is an alternative embodiment of an adapter or chuck usable witha hex driven drill bit;

FIG. 65 is a side plan view showing an adapter or chuck securable withrespect to a drill bit with a self-centering guided sleeve;

FIG. 66 is a side view of an embodiment of a keyless adapter or chuckshown securable to a drill bit with a hexagonal securement shaftattached thereto;

FIG. 67 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adapter orchuck showing a set screw as a means for securement of the drill bitthereto;

FIG. 68 is a side cross-sectional view of a conventional keyed chuck;

FIG. 69 is a side plan view of a conventional single sleeve keylesschuck;

FIG. 70 is a side plan view of a conventional double sleeve keylesschuck;

FIG. 71 is a side plan view of an embodiment of a keyless chuck oradapter defining a collar made as a polygonal prism or a cylindricalcollar having at least a secant flat surface formed thereon and at leasta ball recess for engagement with a resilient ball of the attachmentopen and on the collar for frictionally retaining the attachment;

FIG. 72 is another side plan view of an embodiment of a keyless chuck oradapter defining a collar made as a polygonal prism or a cylindricalcollar having at least a secant flat surface formed thereon and at leasta ball recess for engagement with a resilient ball of the attachmentopen and on the collar for frictionally retaining the attachment;

FIG. 73 is a side plan view of a new keyless chuck with a socket enddefined therein;

FIG. 74 is a side plan view of a single sleeve keyless chuck or adapterdefining a collar made as a polygonal prism or a cylindrical collarhaving at least a secant flat surface formed thereon and at least a ballrecess for engagement with a resilient ball of the attachment open andon the collar for frictionally retaining the attachment;

FIG. 75 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of a keylesschuck or adapter;

FIG. 76 is a further alternative embodiment of a keyless chuck oradapter;

FIG. 77 is a further alternative embodiment of a keyless chuck oradapter;

FIG. 78 is a side plan view of a single sleeve keyless chuck or adapterdefining a collar made as a polygonal prism or a cylindrical collarhaving at least a secant flat surface formed thereon and at least a ballrecess for engagement with the resilient ball of the attachment open andon the collar for frictionally retaining the attachment;

FIG. 79 is a side plan view that illustrates a power tool with a keyedchuck mounted therein;

FIG. 80 is a side plan view of an embodiment of a power tool shown witha new single sleeve keyless chuck mounted therein;

FIG. 81 is a side plan view of an embodiment of a power tool shown witha new double sleeve keyless chuck mounted therein;

FIG. 82 is an illustration of a power tool showing a conventional singlesleeve keyless chuck with an embodiment of an adapter mounted therein;

FIG. 83 is an illustration of a power tool showing a conventional singlesleeve keyless chuck with another embodiment of an adapter mountedtherein;

FIG. 84 is an illustration of a power tool showing a conventional singlesleeve keyless chuck with a further alternative embodiment of an adaptermounted therein;

FIG. 85 is a side plan view of a power tool with a conventional keylesschuck with a further alternative embodiment of an adapter mountedtherein wherein the adapter itself comprises a keyed mounting chuck witha driveshaft extending rearwardly therefrom;

FIG. 86 is a side plan view of a new double sleeve keyless chuck with asocket end mounted on an electric impact wrench; and

FIG. 87 is a side plan view of an embodiment of a power tool with aconventional keyless chuck and a new double sleeve keyless adaptermounted therein which defines a collar made as a polygonal prism or acylindrical collar having at least a secant flat surface formed thereonand at least a ball recess for engagement with the resilient ball of theattachment open and on the collar for frictionally retaining theattachment.

FIG. 88 is a side elevation view of a chuck adapter having a 6-sidedmounting section.

FIG. 89 is a side elevation view of a bit holding attachment adapted tofit over the mounting section shown in FIG. 88.

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 90-90 of FIG.89.

FIGS. 91-98 are variations of the attachment shown in FIG. 90.

FIG. 99 shows a power tool having the adapter of FIG. 88 mountedthereon.

FIGS. 100-104 are front views of chuck adapter mounting sections havingdifferent shapes, suitable for use in a chuck adapter for holding afirst bit device and a bit holding attachment thereon.

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the attachmentshown in FIG. 54.

OVERVIEW

Examples are provided below, which allow the easy use of two differentbits or other bit devices with a single power tool without requiringdisengagement of either bit when used over and over in an alternatingfashion. The term “bit device,” as used herein is not limited to drillbits, but includes many other rotatable devices having an end adapted tobe secured to a rotating power tool, such as a drill, screw gun,cordless screw driver, or the like. Such bit devices include, but arenot limited to: drill bits, screw driver bits, countersinks, hexwrenches, nut drivers, holesaws, abrasive discs, wire wheels, or thelike.

An exemplary apparatus provides a means for facilitating the changeoverfrom one bit device to another and can be useful for rapidly andrepeatedly transferring between two modes (e.g., between drilling modeand fastener driving mode) using a single power tool without requiringdisengagement of any bits from the bit retaining means.

One exemplary apparatus provides improved attachments having a housing,which defines a mounting end at one end thereof, and a forward end foreither drilling or driving at the opposite end thereof. A mountingcavity is defined within the mounting end of the housing and facesoutwardly therefrom. This mounting cavity is adapted to receive anddetachably retain a cylindrical or generally cylindrical mountingsection of the rotatable chuck of a power tool or an adapter mountedthereto. The mounting surface is preferably cylindrical andapproximately 0.75 inches in diameter. The rotatable chuck or adapter ispreferably designed to receive a first bit device detachably mountedtherein.

In some embodiments, a forward cavity is also defined in fluid flowcommunication with respect to the mounting cavity which is adapted to beable to receive a portion of a first bit device therewithin responsiveto attachment of the generally cylindrical mounting section of arotatable chuck or the generally cylindrical mounting section of anadapter within the mounting cavity. In other embodiments, the mountingcavity is extended and is long enough to receive the first bit device,and a distinct reduced-diameter forward cavity is not needed.

The forward end of the attachment includes a forward bit securementdevice therein for detachably receiving and retaining a second bitdevice. The first and second bit devices can comprise many differenttypes of bits, such as conventional twist drill bits or other drillbits, or fastener driving bits such as slotted head driving bits, squarehead driving bits, Phillips head driving bits and nut setters. In onepreferred method of usage of the exemplary apparatus, the first bitdevice will be used for drilling pilot holes and the second bit devicewill be used for driving of the fasteners into the associated pilotholes. This is a common construction activity that otherwise mightrequire the time consuming repeated switching between two bit devices.

Other combinations of first and second bit devices that are useful forother tasks will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the artin view of the examples herein. For example, using a drill bit as thefirst bit device, a countersink or counterbore may be used as a secondbit device.

In some embodiments, the housing preferably defines an annular groove ata position extending around the mounting cavity and an annular slotwhich extends peripherally around the mounting cavity and also aroundthe outer periphery of the annular groove. In some embodiments, at leastone locking pin device is movably mounted within the housing and isadapted to be positioned extending into the mounting cavity to beselectively movable at least partially into the mounting cavity itselffor extending thereof into a locking aperture to facilitate detachableengagement therewith, to secure the cylindrical mounting section of therotatable chuck of the power tool or of the adapter with respect to themounting cavity of the housing. The locking pin can also be positionedextending into the annular groove to facilitate biasing thereofinwardly.

A resilient biasing means, such as a circular spring means, may bepositioned within the housing in such a manner that it extends aroundthe mounting cavity. An annular slot can be defined in the housingextending around the circular spring means. A capping ring, preferablymade of aluminum, can be positioned within the annular slot extendingover the circular spring means to facilitate retaining thereof beneaththe ring as well as also for safety purposes. The resilient biasingdevice or circular spring can be adapted to be brought into abutmentwith respect to each locking pin for resiliently urging thereof inwardlytoward a locking aperture defined in or on the cylindrical mountingsection of a rotatable chuck or adapter responsive to positioningthereof within the mounting cavity to facilitate detachable engagementtherebetween. Each locking pin can optionally also include a notch inthe portion thereof that abuts the resilient biasing means to facilitatethe exertion of biasing force thereagainst.

This capping ring can act as a protective cap to facilitate retaining ofthe resilient biasing means in position in biasing abutment with respectto the locking pin or pins. The capping ring can also be positionedextending around the annular groove with the resilient biasing springpositioned therewithin to facilitate securement of the biasing meanswithin the annular groove to prevent it from extending partiallyoutwardly therefrom during powered rotation of the attachment. If acircular spring is used as the biasing means, retention of the resilientbiasing means within the housing or within the annular groove can beimportant when the attachment is rotating at high speeds, at which timesit has a tendency to be released or to partially extend outwardly fromthe rotating attachment which could be dangerous to the operator ornearby persons (although the method of retaining the circular spring maybe varied).

In other embodiments, the design of the biasing means can inherentlyavoid risk of outward extension during rotation of the attachment, andthe capping ring may be omitted. Even with the circular spring, thecapping ring is not necessary.

It should be appreciated that, using the exemplary embodiment, the powertool, with which the attachment is usable, is normally a hand drill orother similar tool with a rotatable chuck designed to retain therewithina bit device such as a drilling and/or driving member. To constructvarious different configurations of the more common of the currentlyavailable power tools with rotatable chucks, some embodiments of thepresent invention can also include an adapter device which is designedto hold a first bit which can be used for drilling or driving or otheroperations. Engagement of the chuck or adapter with respect to theattachment mechanism according to these embodiments of the presentinvention will facilitate quick changeover between different bits inorder to produce various construction operations such as, but notlimited to, drilling and driving.

Some embodiments include an intermediate cavity positioned between theforward cavity and the mounting cavity which is in fluid flowcommunication with both. This cavity is designed to allow bit devices oflarger diameter than conventional round twist drill bits to bepositioned in the main chuck mounting device or adapter. By making thisintermediate cavity larger in diameter than the forward cavity, largerfirst bit devices can be utilized without requiring that first bitdevice to be removed when the attachment is placed in engagement withthe cylindrical mounting surface of the chuck or adapter. There are anumber of examples of such larger bit devices commonly used now such asa drill bit with a countersinking attachment or a drill bit with aself-centering guided device mounted thereon and many others. Othersmight include a drill bit with a collet adapter or drill bits withhex-shaped drive shanks. Also some embodiments of the present inventionare usable with a nut or hex driver bit chosen as the first bit deviceand these bits can be larger in diameter than standard twist drill bits.This intermediate cavity allows an attachment according to an embodimentof the present invention to be usable with the various configurations oflarger diameter bit devices. Preferably this intermediate cavity islarger than the forward cavity but smaller than the mounting cavity tofacilitate this manner of usage.

The resilient biasing device is preferably a circular spring which issplit at one location therealong to define a first spring end sectionand a second spring end section spaced somewhat apart but fairly closeto being adjacent. It is desirable that this circular spring beprevented movement about the axis along the annular groove, if the twospring end sections are the portions of the springs that are in abuttingcontact with the locking pins for maintaining biasing thereof in agenerally inward direction toward the cylindrical mounting section. Forthis purpose an anti-clocking pin can be included which will be fixedlysecured in a position between the first spring end and the second springend to minimize movement of the circular spring axially around theattachment and in this manner maintain the proper desired alignmentbetween the circular spring and the locking pins. With configurationsincluding the annular groove, the anti-clocking pin will preferably bepressed into the groove between the first spring end section and thesecond spring end section of the circular spring. Many other manners ofsecurement of the optional anti-clocking pin into the annular groove arecontemplated in some embodiments according to the present invention,such as threaded engagement. The anti-clocking pin is optional inembodiments of the present invention, since other means of preventingclocking are also contemplated, such as a shoulder protruding from thehousing which restricts clocking movement of the spring in the annulargroove. Preferably two locking pins are included which extend inwardlytoward the mounting cavity such as to be angularly oriented obliquelywith respect to the radial direction thereof. These two locking pins arepreferably spatially disposed from one another and angled obliquely inopposite directions to facilitate engagement with one or more aperturesfor engaging a locking aperture defined in the cylindrical mountingsection irrespective of whether the cylindrical mounting section isrotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction during engagingmovement thereof. Inward movement of the two locking pins can be limitedby a shoulder construction for each. A first shoulder can limit theradially inwardly directed movement of the first locking pin and isdefined by the housing. The housing can also define a second shoulderpositioned adjacent to the second locking pin which limits the radiallyinwardly directed movement thereof.

Some embodiments of the present invention can also include a guidesleeve device mounted on the housing adjacent to the forward end whichis telescopically movable longitudinally with respect to the housingbetween a retracted storage position which encircles the housingadjacent the forward end thereof and an extended operative positionextending forwardly from the forward end of the housing. In this manner,the guide sleeve will be movable to the extended operative position inorder to surround a second bit secured to the forward end of the housingto facilitate maintaining proper alignment thereof for use. Thus, theguide sleeve apparatus can be useful in those situations where thesecond bit secured to the forward end of the housing by the forward bitsecurement means is chosen to be a fastener driving bit. With the guidesleeve device in the extended operative position, it can surround afastener driving bit for facilitating engaging of a workpiece (e.g., afastener) when driving it. A magnetic retaining means can also beincluded within the forward cavity to facilitate securement of variousdifferent types of second bit devices therewithin. A set screw may alsobe included to facilitate securement of a second bit to the forward endof the housing by the forward bit securement means.

The apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention isusable with power tools provided with chucks which have conventional keyoperated locking mechanisms for holding bits secured therewithin.However, other embodiments of the present invention are usable with manytypes of chucks for a power tool by the inclusion of an adapter devicemounted in the original equipment chuck of the power tool which includesthe cylindrical or generally cylindrical mounting section and defines atleast one locking aperture in this cylindrical mounting section whichallows securement of the attachment device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention thereto for facilitating use of the unique bitholding apparatus. With this configuration, the adapter becomes anintegral component of the improved bit holding apparatus and greatlywidens the various modes of uses of various apparatus according toembodiments of the present invention.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof two different bit devices thereto, such as for example, a drillingbit device and a fastener bit device, wherein use with various sizes ofdrilling devices or variously configured fastener driving devices ismade possible.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof multiple bit devices with respect thereto such as a drilling deviceand a fastener driving device with respect thereto, wherein use ispossible with drill bits having countersinking devices, self-centeringguided devices, and collet adapters which can include various driveshank configurations such as hex-shaped drive shanks and many others.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with power tools for facilitating detachable mounting ofa drilling device and a fastener device with respect thereto whereinrapid changeover between drilling and driving bit devices, or twodifferent drilling devices, or two different driving bit devices or manyother combinations of bit devices is facilitated with power tools havingmany types of original equipment chuck mechanisms.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof various bit devices such as drilling devices and/or a fastenerdevices or others with respect thereto wherein cost is minimized.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof various different types or sizes of bit devices with respect theretowherein maintenance requirements are minimal.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof bit devices such as drilling devices and/or a fastener devices ofvarious sizes and configurations with respect thereto, wherein usagewith many different types of powered tools having rotatable output ispossible.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof many different types and sizes of drilling devices and fastenerdevices is possible, wherein the safety considerations of such highspeed rotating chucks is actively controlled.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating detachable mountingof various bit devices with respect thereto wherein use with manydifferent types of chucks is made possible such as use with a keylesschuck or keyed chuck.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool for facilitating use of two differentbit devices with respect thereto wherein use with many types of powertools is possible regardless of the particular means for poweringthereof.

An example of an improved bit holding apparatus is described below,which is usable with a power tool which can be used for facilitatingdetachable mounting of a drilling device and/or a fastener device withrespect thereto and which enables a person to purchase a chuck and mountit directly to a power tool or to purchase an adapter and mount it to apower tool chuck that they might already own.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an improved bit holding attachment device 10 which isparticularly usable for alternately drilling pilot holes and drivingfasteners 38 therein. It can also be implemented for use of many otherdifferent combinations of bit devices such as drilling and drilling,driving and drilling or driving and driving. This can provide universalutility in a variety of applications. The attachment 10 can hold one bitdetachably securable to the cylindrical portion 18 of the adapter 78 orchuck 14 and the adapter 78 or chuck 14 will, itself, hold the otherbit. Alternating usage of the two held bit devices 22 and 36 is achievedby alternately mounting the attachment 10 for allowing operation of thesecond bit device 36 and alternately removing the attachment 10 forallowing use of the first bit device 22. Thus, it is certainly muchfaster and easier to merely remove or secure the attachment 10 withrespect to the cylindrical surface 18 of the chuck 14 or adapter 78 tochange bit devices, than it would be to actually change the bit mountedin the chuck 14 each time a change is needed.

The attachment also and more generally can be used for quickly switchingbetween two bit devices of most configurations and is usable with apower tool 12 having a rotatable device such as a chuck 14, keylesschuck 16, set screw mandrel 84, or possibly also an adapter 78, whichincludes a rotatably driven generally cylindrical mounting section 18defining at least one locking means, such as a locking aperture 20thereon. One particular example of an adapter—a collet adapter 94—isdiscussed below in the section describing FIG. 45A.

The rotatable chuck 14 (The reference numeral 14 is used hereingenerally to refer to any kind of rotatable chuck, and is not limited tokeyed chucks) of the power tool 12 is defined to receive an attachment10 secured with respect thereto. For securement the rotatable chuck 14will preferably include a cylindrical mounting surface 18 thereon ofapproximately 0.75 inches in diameter. Some such original equipmentmanufactured power tools do not include a generally cylindrical mountingsurface 18 with a locking aperture 20 defined therein (for example, ator recessed below the generally cylindrical mounting surface) or thereon(for example, at or above the generally cylindrical mounting surface)because of the advent of more common usage and availability of keylessrotatable chucks 16, both single sleeved and double sleeved. Theexemplary embodiments use such a cylindrical mounting surface 18 or agenerally cylindrical mounting surface in order for the attachment 10 tobe securable thereto. (A generally cylindrical surface may, for example,take the form of a cylinder, or a cylinder having one or more flat orconcave longitudinal surfaces between the locking apertures, orcircumferential concave surfaces that do not coincide with the lockingapertures. Alternatively, a generally cylindrical mounting surface maybe in the form of a cylinder having one or more concave dimples). Thus,a generally cylindrical surface as defined herein may be a cylinder withor without surface features such as flat surfaces, dimples, concavesurfaces, grooves, or the like.

Some exemplary embodiments include drills having chucks 14 which requirechuck keys for tightening of articles such as bits within the jawsthereof or keyless chucks 16, adapters 78 or set screw mandrels 84 whichthemselves define cylindrical mounting surfaces 18 with at least one ormore locking apertures 20 therein or thereon.

An older design was shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,114 by E. A. Rodin on a“Screw Installing Attachment For Power Tools” patented Dec. 16, 1969.The embodiments described herein include improvements over that design.

An adapter 78 may be detachably securable with respect to the rotatablechuck 14 of a power tool 12 directly or with respect to the rotatablekeyless chuck 16 to provide a means for mounting of various differentbit devices 22 therewithin while at the same time also providing therotatably driven cylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least onelocking aperture 20 therein or thereon. The inclusion of at least onelocking aperture 20 will facilitate the rapid mounting and dismountingof the attachment 10 with respect to adapter 78 for allowing the drivingof individual fasteners 38 into pilot holes immediately after each holeis individually drilled. This is just one of many possible manners ofusage of the exemplary apparatus.

The attachment 10 includes a housing 24 which defines a mounting end 26on one end thereof and a forward end 32 on the opposite end thereof. Thehousing 24 is designed to be detachably securable to a rotatablecylindrical mounting surface 18 which defines at least one lockingaperture 20 thereon for facilitating such detachable securement.

The mounting end 26 of the housing 24 will preferably define a mountingcavity 28 therewithin which is open and faces outwardly therefrom. Thismounting cavity 28 will preferably be round in cross-section and will beadapted to receive the cylindrical mounting surface 18 therewithin. Themounting cavity preferably includes one or more locking pins 44 thereinwhich are radially biased inwardly by a resilient biasing means 50 suchas a circular spring such that they can extend into the mounting cavity28 and further into an adjacently positioned locking aperture 20 definedin the cylindrical mounting surface 18 for engagement therein or thereonwhen positioned within the mounting cavity 28. In this preferredembodiment, the locking pins 44 are biased inwardly by circular spring50 such that one of them will extend at least partially into a lockingaperture 20 for engagement therewith. In some embodiments, two lockingpins 44 will be included such that they are angled radially in oppositeoblique directions to facilitate locking thereof into an adjacentlocking aperture 20 when engagement is achieved by either clockwise orcounterclockwise rotation of the attachment 10 during engaging movementthereof relative to the cylindrical mounting surface 18. The firstlocking pin member 46 will engage a locking aperture 20 responsive tocounterclockwise rotation of the attachment 10 as shown in FIG. 4. Onthe other hand, the second locking pin member 48 will engage a lockingaperture 20 responsive to clockwise rotation of the attachment 10 asshown in FIG. 4.

Thus, the attachment device 10 will be detachably and yet firmly securedupon the cylindrical mounting surface 18 of a rotatable chuck 14,keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel 84 or an adapter 78. Assuch, the attachment device 10 will rotate simultaneously with thecylindrical mounting surface 18 until forcibly detached by a user byrotating the attachment 10 relative to the surface 18 such that theengaged locking pin 44 will be withdrawn from the locking aperture 20with which it is engaged thereby allowing disengagement of the mountingcavity 28 of the attachment 10 from locking aperture 20. Preferably, thelocking pin 44 will include a first locking pin member 46 angularlyoriented in a first direction and a second locking pin member 48 angledoppositely. Both first locking pin member 46 and second locking pinmember 48 are capable of engaging a locking aperture 20. By orientingthe two locking pins 46 and 48 oppositely, positive engagement betweenthe mounting cavity 28 of the attachment 10 and the cylindrical mountingsurface 18 will be achieved regardless of whether the rotational chuck14, keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel chuck 84 or adapter 78is being rotated in the counterclockwise or the clockwise direction, asdescribed above. In either case, at least one of the two locking pins 46and 48 will be brought into engagement with a locking aperture 20defined in the cylindrical mounting surface 18. The resilient biasingmeans 50 can comprise a circular spring as described above, however,other types of springs and biasing members are also contemplated forusage in other embodiments. For example, the resilient biasing means 50could include a small individual compression spring associated with eachindividual locking pin 44 or many other possible resilient biasingdevices.

Exemplary embodiments are provided which safely retain the circularspring or resilient biasing means 50 with respect to the housing 24 ofthe attachment 10. For this reason an annular groove 40 may preferablybe included which is defined about the surface of housing 24 at aposition extending peripherally around the outside of the mountingcavity 28. With the circular spring 50 positioned in the annular groove40 it will be brought into abutment with respect to the outermost endsof the locking pins 44 to facilitate resilient biasing thereof inwardlytoward the mounting cavity 28 in such a manner that each of the one ormore locking pins 44 are ready to engage a locking aperture 20 definedin or on the cylindrical mounting surface 18.

Also, to facilitate engagement between the one or more locking pins 44and the circular spring 50, individual notches 82 may be defined in theouter tips of each of the locking pins 44. In this manner the circularspring 50 will abut each notch 82 to facilitate engagement with respectto the adjacent locking pin 44. For a configuration as shown in FIG. 4,the locking pins 44 preferably will not extend beyond a predefineddistance into the mounting cavity 28, and for this reason a firstshoulder 60 and a second shoulder 62 may optionally be defined in thehousing 24 to limit the extent of inward movement of the first lockingpin 46 and the second locking pin member 48, respectively. Otherconfigurations for biasing are contemplated for the construction of theresilient biasing means 50 such as individual springs mounted in thehousing 24 and other such configurations which might not necessarilyrequire the specific inclusion of the annular groove means 40.

With usage of the circular spring 50 as the resilient biasing means, itis further preferable that it be safely retained to the attachment 10and/or within the annular groove 40 by a suitable retaining means. Thiscan be achieved, for example, by the housing 24 including an annularslot 42 extending outside of and peripherally around the annular groove40. A retaining means in the form of a capping ring 52, as shown best inFIGS. 2 and 3, can be positionable within the annular slot 42 to extendlike a cap over and preferably adjacent the upper portion of the annulargroove 40 in such a manner that the circular spring 50 is retainedtherewithin and cannot be released therefrom for safety purposes, norcan it move to a position extending partially outwardly therefrom suchthat it could be dangerous whenever the cylindrical mounting surface 18is rotating, especially at high speeds. The rotatable chuck 14 of suchpower tools 12 or an adapter 78 can rotate at fairly high speeds in bothrotational directions and in an embodiment having the circular spring50, a safe and secure means for retainment of the circular spring 50within the annular groove 40 can be utilized while at the same timeallowing full flexibility and movement of the spring 50, such that itcan achieve the proper inwardly directed bias against the one or morelocking pins 44. The capping ring 52, if included, would preferably bemade of an aluminum material, but other materials, such as variousmetals, plastics, or composites may be used. This is just one example,and in other embodiments, the annular groove 40 and annular slot 42 arenot required.

In other embodiments (not shown), the annular slot 42 is omitted, andthe outer circumference of the circular spring 50 is greater than theouter circmference of the housing 24. In some embodiments without theannular slot 42, a retaining means in the form of a capping ring has anouter diameter greater than the outer circumference of the mounting endof the housing 24 and greater than the outer circumference of the spring50. The capping ring also has an internal slot sized to receive thecircular spring 50 and an inner diameter large enough to fit snugly overthe mounting end of the housing 24. The circular spring 50 is compressedto a diameter smaller than the inner circumference of the capping ringduring assembly. Once the circular spring 50 seats inside the internalslot of the capping ring, the circular spring expands to a diametergreater than the circumference of the housing, while an inner diameteroff the circular spring is still less than the outer diameter of thehousing 24. Thus, the circular spring 50 prevents the capping ring 52from sliding longitudinally along the housing, at the same time that thecapping ring prevents the circular spring from releasing radially.

In other embodiments, both the slot 42 and groove 40 may be omitted.FIG. 50 is an example of one such embodiment. In FIG. 50, the one ormore pins 44″ are biased by a resilient biasing means 50″, which maycomprise springs or elastomeric members, such as a circular spring,o-ring or a plurality of elastomeric balls, for example. The resilientbiasing means 50″ may be radially positioned entirely outside of thecircumference of the housing 10″, as shown in FIG. 50, within thecircumference of the housing (not shown in FIG. 50), or straddling thecircumference of the housing (not shown in FIG. 50). A capping ring 52″may be located entirely outside of the circumference of the housing 10″.

The capping ring 52″ is coupled to or integrally attached to the housing10″. A variety of methods may be used to assemble the capping ring 52″to the housing around the pins 44″ and biasing means 50″. For example,the pins may be pressed inward between halves of a customized plier-typetool having semi-circular jaws. Alternatively, the capping ring 52″ mayhave a ramped (or cammed) inner surface (not shown) on at least one sideto facilitate sliding the capping ring over the pins 44″ and biasingmeans 50″. The pins 44′ may have a countoured surface adjacent to thebiasing means 50″, or a flat surface.

Alternatively, the retaining means may be in the form of a discontinuousring. The housing may 24 may include a plurality of plug-receivingapertures distributed on the outer circumference thereof, along theannular groove 40. After the circular spring 50 is seated in the annulargroove 40, retaining means in the form of a plurality of plugs or setscrews are driven into the plug-receiving apertures, to contact thecircular spring, and are thus located radially outward from the circularspring. The plugs or set screws form a discontinuous ring around thecircular spring for retention thereof. If friction-fit plugs are used,the plug receiving apertures may be circular, rectangular, or othershape, so long as the plugs are of the same shape as the apertures intowhich they are placed.

In some embodiments the spring 50 is split along one portion thereof soas to define a first spring end section 56 and a second spring endsection 58. This is best shown in FIG. 5. These ends 56 and 58 aredefined to include the tips of the ends of the split spring 50 as wellas the immediate areas of the spring 50 thereadjacent. These end section56 and 58 may be adjacent to one another and may be spaced apart a smalldistance as shown in FIG. 5. These end sections 56 and 58 of thecircular spring means 50 have greater flexibility than other portionsthereof and it is preferable that the first spring end section 56 bepositioned in engaging abutment with respect to a first locking pinmember 46 for biasing it inwardly. Similarly it is desired that thesecond spring end section 58 be positioned in abutment with respect tothe second locking pin member 48, if it is included, for furtherfacilitating inwardly directed bias thereadjacent radially inwardly.

Although an embodiment is described above using a spring 50 as aretention means for the locking pins 46, 48, other embodiments use othermeans for retaining the locking pins. For example, the locking pins maybe spring loaded pin assemblies (not shown), each having a housing withthreads that allow the assembly to be screwed into female threaded holesin the wall of the mounting section 18, for retaining the spring loadedpin assemblies in the attachment device 10. Within the housings of thespring loaded pin assemblies, internal biasing springs may be providedfor biasing the locking pins so as to project from the locking pinassemblies and engage the apertures 20 of the cylindrical mountingsurface 18. Alternatively, spring loaded pins may be inserted into theopenings in the wall of mounting section 18, and plugs may be securelypressed into place behind the spring loaded pins (e.g., by interferencefit) to retain the spring loaded pins.

In other embodiments (not shown), the locking means on the generallycylindrical surface may include one or more spring loaded members orprotuberances extending outwardly from the generally cylindricalsurface, and the attachment 10 includes locking apertures to receive thespring loaded members or protuberances. In such embodiments, the springloaded members or protuberances may have rounded edges, to reducelikelihood of damage or injury to any object or person inadvertentlycontacting the rotating cylindrical surface while the attachment 10 isnot covering the cylindrical mounting surface (i.e., while the first bitmeans is being used).

Some embodiments include a means to maintain the circular spring 50 inthe proper orientation by restricting rotational or clocking movementthereof with respect to the housing 24. This movement restriction can beachieved by the inclusion of an anti-clocking pin 64 positionedextending into the annular groove 40 and pressed, or otherwise affixed,therein at a location between the end sections 56 and 58 of circularspring means 50. In this manner the anti-clocking pin 64 will be capableof being brought into abutment with the first spring end section 56and/or the second spring end section 58, thus preventing clockingmovement thereof axially along the annular groove 40. In this manner,movement of the spring 50 will be restricted within the annular groove40, which will therefore maintain engagement between the first springend section 56 and the first locking pin member 46 as well asmaintaining engagement between the second spring end section 58 and thesecond locking pin member 48. Clocking pin 64 can also be mounted withrespect to housing 24 by most other common mounting means such asthreaded engagement and other means.

In other embodiments, no anti-clocking pin is used. For example, in someembodiments, the spring 50 subtends an angle of 360 degrees or more, sothat the spring exerts a retaining force on the pins regardless of anyclocking movement of the spring.

In other embodiments, instead of a separate anti-clocking pin, ananti-clocking member is formed integrally as a part of the same piece ofmaterial from which the housing 24 is formed. For example, the springmay have an integrally formed, radially-oriented tooth or projection(not shown) that engages a mating receptacle in the attachment device10, preventing clocking without using a separate pin. The anti-clockingmember, radially oriented tooth or projection may have the shape of theanti-clocking pin 64, or other another shape that is adapted to preventclocking motion.

Although some embodiments include two locking pins 46 and 48, otherembodiments are operational with the inclusion of only one locking pin,either pin 46 or pin 48 although with constructions including only onepin would allow securement to the cylindrical mounting surface 18 onlyresponsive to engaging rotation in one direction, namely eitherclockwise or counterclockwise, but not both.

The example shown in FIG. 4 includes locking pins 46, 48 that faceinwardly, and are adapted for engaging the locking apertures of aconventional chuck. In other embodiments (not shown), a cylindrical orsubstantially cylindrical mounting surface includes outwardly facingpins, and the device 10 includes apertures to receive the outwardlyfacing pins.

The exemplary device 10 preferably also defines a forward cavity 30which is designed to receive and retain a second bit device 36 securedthereto by a forward bit securement means 34. Often this second bitdevice will be a fastener driving means such as a hex, square or slottedscrew driving bit. To facilitate the forward bit securement means 34retention of a second bit device 36 therein, a hole means 74 willpreferably be defined therein usually with a hexagonal cross-section.This hexagonal cross-section will facilitate securement of varioussecond bit devices 36 such as fastener driving devices with hexagonaldriving shafts integrally formed therewith or attached thereto. Also amagnet 72 for retaining the second bit device 36 with respect to theforward end 32 of housing 24 may also be included in variousconfigurations. Many second bit devices 36 can easily be secureddetachably to the forward end 32 of housing 24 when used with thehexagonal shaped mounting holes 74 adapted to receive them.

Other embodiments of attachment devices 10 can also include set screws76 for further maintaining detachable securement therewith of the secondbit devices 36. Also set screws 80 can be utilized particularly as shownin FIG. 28 to retain the bit devices 22 with respect to an embodiment ofan adapter 78, a set screw mandrel 84, a rotatable keyless chuck 16 or arotatable chuck 14 or 16. Such set screw bit retaining devices areusable with respect to various configurations of chucks 14, keylesschucks 16, mandrels 84 and adapters 78 as shown in various Figuresincluded herein.

An intermediate cavity 54 may be included in some embodiments of thepresent invention as shown best in FIG. 1. This intermediate cavity 54will preferably be located between the mounting cavity 28 and theforward cavity 30. The purpose of the intermediate cavity 54 is to allowthe chuck 14, keyless rotatable chuck 16, set screw mandrel chuck 84 oradapter 78 to be capable of receiving those first bit devices 22 whichcan be larger than standard twist drill bits, particularly those deviceswhich are larger in diameter. Such first bit devices 22 may includelarger bits such as countersinking devices integral therewith, drillbits with self-centering guided enclosures or devices therearound, drillbits with collet adapters or drill bits with hex-shaped drive shanks orotherwise driven. All of these bits are generally slightly larger indiameter than conventional round twist drill bits. Furthermore theintermediate cavity will more readily receive nut, nut setter or nuthead driver bits or other similar bits, which are usually larger indiameter than standard twist drill bits themselves.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of bit attachment 10′ without anintermediate cavity. In this embodiment, rather than providing anintermediate diameter cavity 54 between the forward cavity 30 and theproximal end of the attachment 10′, an elongated mounting cavity 28′extends towards the distal end of attachment 10′. The elongated mountingcavity 28′ may have a length that is approximately the sum of the lengthof the mounting cavity 28 and the intermediate cavity 54 shown inFIG. 1. The attachment 10′ of FIG. 1A accommodates a wide variety ofdifferently sized first bit devices 22.

Other embodiments comprise an optional sleeve means such as guide sleeve66. One example of such a configuration is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,including an add-on device 66 positionable around the forward end 32 ofthe attachment device 10. The guide sleeve 66 is initially oriented inthe retracted storage position 68 as shown in FIG. 9 but is movable tothe extended operative position 70 shown in FIG. 10, where it will be insurrounding engagement with respect to a second bit device 36 tofacilitate use thereof. In this manner, for example, driving offasteners into a substrate or other workpiece by a second bit device 36which is a fastener driving bit device is greatly facilitated becausethe alignment of securement between the fastener driving bit and thefastener 38 is properly maintained. The guide sleeve 66 is preferablytelescopingly movable with respect to the portion of the housing 24which defines therewithin the forward cavity 30.

In some embodiments, the guide sleeve 66 has an extension limitingmeans, to prevent the guide sleeve from becoming separated from theattachment device 10 and lost. For example, the housing 24 may have aland, groove or detent for engaging a groove, ring or protrusion,respectively, on the inside of the guide sleeve 66.

The exemplary attachment device 10 is designed to be usable with aconventional key operated chuck design. Such devices were once commonlyused but in current times keyless chucks have become much more popular.As such, other embodiments include, as a component thereof, a keylesschuck 16 or adapter 78 with a cylindrical mounting surface 18 and atleast one locking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon as shown bestin FIGS. 36 through 40. FIG. 36 shows the single sleeve keyless chuck 16and FIG. 37 shows the double sleeve keyless chuck 16, each of whichincludes the cylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least one lockingaperture 20 defined therein or thereon. When this keyless chuck 16 orset screw mandrel 84 with a cylindrical mounting surface 18 is providedas a component or added item, the original equipment chuck from a powertool such as a drill or impact wrench could be removed and replacedthereby. Alternatively, the rotatable chuck 14, keyless chuck 16, or setscrew mandrel 84 described herein can replace the original equipmentchuck, or an adapter member 78 can be mounted in the original equipmentchuck. An adapter 78 can be positioned within a single sleeve keylesschuck 16, wherein each of the adapters 78 has a different configuration,but each adapter 78 commonly defines a cylindrical or generallycylindrical mounting surface 18 with at least one locking aperture 20defined therein or thereon. Thus, it should be appreciated that many ofthe chucks 14 with cylindrical mounting surfaces 18 and at least onelocking aperture 20 defined therein or thereon can be also be used asadapters 78, and many adapters 78 can also be used as chucks 14 havingcylindrical mounting surfaces 18, defining at least one locking aperture20. For the purposes of this disclosure, the only difference between anadapter and a chuck is that a chuck is mounted directly into the powerdrill itself, whereas the adapter is mounted into some other chuckingdevice which itself is mounted in the power tool. Thus, an adapter 78can be mounted in any type of mated chuck in order to provide a rotatingcylindrical mounting surface 18 with one or more locking apertures 20defined therein or thereon that can mate with the mounting cavity 28 ofan attachment 10 made in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. That chuck, within which the adapter 78 is mounted, can beoriginal equipment or a device provided in accordance with the teachingsof this disclosure, or as a part optionally included with an apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Another manner of attaching the first bit devices 22 with respect to therotatable chuck 14 or the adapter 78 is the use of a set screw 80 asshown in FIG. 22. In this design set screw 80 provides a set screw firstbit retaining means.

FIGS. 45A and 46A show an exemplary embodiment of a collet adapterassembly 90. The collet adapter assembly 90 includes two pieces: auniversal collet adapter portion 91 and a collet 94. The collet adapterportion 91 has a shaft 91 p (preferably hexagonal in cross section) atits proximal end, adapted to be received by the chuck or keyless chuckof any drill or rotating tool. The distal portion of adapter portion 91includes a generally cylindrical surface 18 and locking means, such aslocking apertures 20. Adapter 91 includes a bore 92 in its distal end,for receiving a bit device 22. In the distal end of adapter 91, the bore92 has a threaded portion 93.

Collet 94 has male threads near its distal end, for engaging the femalethreads 93 of bore 92. A head 97 (which may optionally be square orhexagonal or other shape) is provided for securely driving collet 94into the adapter portion 91. Collet 94 has a bore 98 (shown in phantom)throughout its length for receiving the bit device 22. Collet 94 has atapered proximal end 95 with longitudinal grooves 96 at least on twodiametrically opposed sides, dividing the proximal end of collet 94 intotwo halves. (In some embodiments, four grooves divide the proximal endinto four ¼ portions, or six grooves divide the proximal end into six ⅙portions, etc.) The outer diameter of the tapered end 95 varies, beingsmaller than the diameter of bore 92 at the tip (facilitating entranceinto the bore), and being larger than the diameter of the bore 92 in thedistal end of the tapered portion 95. As shown in FIG. 46, when thecollet 94 is threadably engaged in the bore 92 of adapter 91, the twohalves (or four quarters, or six sixths, or the like) of the tapered end95 are squeezed together, due to the larger-diameter portion of thetapered end 95 engaging the walls of bore 92, firmly gripping bit device22. Thus, collet adapter assembly 90 provides a means for securelyretaining a round bit device as an alternative to a set screw bitretaining adapter of FIG. 28.

In some embodiments, the collet adapter 91 may have an optional forwardsection (not shown) extending past the distal end of the generallycylindrical section 18, with the threaded portion of the bore 93extending into the forward section. Then the bore need not extend intothe cylindrical mounting section 18.

In a given tool set, a plurality of collets 94 may be provided for aplurality of respective bit device diameters, each collet 94 having acommon male thread size and a respectively different bore 98 sizecorresponding to the diameter of each respective bit device 22. Thus, asingle adapter 91 accommodates a variety of first bit device sizes.

Alternatively, a set may also include a plurality of adapters 91 havingproximal shafts adapted for use with a quick-connect type drivingsystem. Frequent changes between the first bit device and the second bitdevice are achieved using the bit attachment device 10, as describedabove; and less frequent changes from one first-bit device to anotherfirst-bit device (e.g., to drill a different sized pilot hole) isachieved by swapping one assembly 90 for another assembly 90 having adifferently sized first bit device 22 and corresponding collet 94mounted therein.

FIGS. 45B and 46B show a collet chuck assembly 90′ that is similar tothe collet adapter assembly 90 shown in FIGS. 45A and 46A, but includesthe following features. Collet chuck assembly 90′ has a collet chuck 91′with a power tool mounting section 91 p′. The power tool mountingsection 91 p′ may be used to mount the collet chuck 91′ directly to apower tool, such as a drill or impact driver (in contrast to the colletadapter mounting section 91 p (FIG. 45A) that is adapted to be receivedby an existing chuck of a power tool). The collet chuck mounting section91 p′ may have a socket 91 s to facilitate mounting on a tool, such asan impact driver.

FIGS. 47 to 49B show alternative shapes of generally cylindricalmounting sections, with details omitted that are not pertinent to theparticular features discussed in this paragraph. FIG. 48 is a crosssectional view of a generally cylindrical mounting section 18′″ and acorresponding attachment 10′″. The generally cylindrical mountingsection 18′″ has features such as flat surfaces 18 f, and concavesurfaces or dimples 18 d on the generally cylindrical mounting surface18′″ that may facilitate gripping the generally cylindrical mountingsurface, but do not affect the engagement between the generallycylindrical mounting surface and the attachment 10′″. The pins 46 ofattachment 10′″ engage the locking apertures 20 in the manner describedabove with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

In other embodiments (e.g., FIG. 47), the generally cylindrical mountingsection 18″ has at least one flat surface 18 f for engaging acorresponding flat surface 10 f in the mounting cavity of the attachment10″. For example, the generally cylindrical mounting section and thecorresponding mounting cavity may each have a “D” shaped cross section,as shown. In such embodiments, the flat surface 18 f acts as a lockingmeans or key to cause the attachment 10″ to rotate with the generallycylindrical mounting section 18″.

Although the embodiments shown above include generally cylindricalmounting sections, in other embodiments, mounting sections having othershapes (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.) may be used. For example, akeyless chuck having a hexagonal mounting section with a groove oraperture therein may be used in conjunction with an attachment devicehaving a hexagonal mounting cavity and a spring loaded ball bearing inplace of locking pins. Alternatively, the ball bearing may be placed onthe mounting section, and the groove in the mounting cavity of the bitattachment. This is just one example, and many other shapes may be usedin the mounting section with a corresponding shape in the mountingcavity of the bit attachment device. Similarly, many other lockingmechanisms may be used.

In other variations (e.g., FIGS. 49A and 49B, the locking means or keyis not limited to a flat surface, but may be at least one longitudinalgroove 18 g on the generally cylindrical mounting section 18″″, with atleast one corresponding longitudinal ridge in the mounting cavity of theattachment 10 (not shown).

Although the examples in FIGS. 1-44 include cylindrical mounting section18, any of the embodiments in FIGS. 1-44 may be practiced using any ofthe generally cylindrical mounting sections described herein, or anyequivalent mounting section having a locking means for engaging any ofthe bit holding attachments described herein, or equivalents thereof.

The savings of time during the performing of these activities whenutilizing the attachment described above is a significant advantage inreducing the labor cost in such jobs.

As shown in the figures, a power tool 5, either corded or cordlessdriven, includes a rotatable keyed chuck 112, a rotatable keyless chuck16, a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78.The chuck or chuck adapter has a collar 113 made as a polygonal prism ora cylindrical collar 113 having at least a secant flat surface 114formed thereon. A first bit device 22 is mounted in either the rotatablekeyed chuck 112, rotatable keyless chuck 16, a rotatable set screwmandrel chuck 84, or a rotatable adapter 78. A sleeve member 131 has ahollow bore portion centrally formed in the sleeve member 131. Amounting cavity 132 is formed on a proximal end of the sleeve member131. The mounting cavity 132 is adapted to be concentrically anddetachably secured to the cylindrical collar 113 (having at least asecant flat surface 114) of either the rotatable keyed chuck 112,rotatable keyless chuck 16, rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84, orrotatable adapter 78. A second bit device 36 is detachably mounted on adistal end of the sleeve member 131. Upon coupling of the sleeve member131 secured with the second bit device 36 on the cylindrical collar 113having at least a secant flat surface 114 formed thereon of either thechuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78, the hollow sleeve member 131of the attachment 10 will encase the first bit device 22 previouslymounted in the chuck or chuck adapter without first dismantling thefirst bit device 22 for convenient replaceable uses of the first bitdevice 22.

The chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78 has at least a secant flatsurface 114 longitudinally formed on a peripheral surface of the collar113 (which may be generally cylindrical shaped or polygonal shaped), andat least a ball recess 135 for engagement with the resilient ball 115 ofthe attachment 10 open and on the collar for frictionally retaining theattachment. The ball recess 135 is recessed in the collar 113, forexample, in the secant flat surface 114 of the collar 113, and is atleast partially and outwardly open.

The attachment 10 includes: a sleeve member 131 having a hollow boreportion longitudinally formed in the sleeve member 131 for encasing thefirst bit device 22 in the hollow bore portion; a mounting cavity 132formed on a proximal end of the sleeve member 131 and having a mountingsocket 133 recessed in the mounting cavity 132 for coupling the collar113 of chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78. Also a resilient ball115 is recessed in the mounting socket 133 of the mounting cavity 132 ofthe attachment 10 for resiliently engaging the ball recess 135 on thecollar 113 of chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78. The resilientball 115 is retained in a spring socket 152 which is included in themounting socket 133 of the mounting cavity 132 of the attachment 10, anda tension spring 151 normally urges the ball 115 inwardly. Also a secondbit securement mechanism 136 is formed on a distal end of the sleevemember 131 opposite to the mounting adapter 132. The second bitsecurement mechanism 163 can have a generally polygonal driving socket137 (e.g., hexagonal shaped). The driving socket 137 is recessed in andpart of the securement mechanism 136 that can hold a second bit devicefor rotatably driving a fastener 38.

The mounting socket 133 that retains the resilient ball 115 in themounting cavity 132 of the attachment 10 may be formed in a flat surface134 on an inside wall of the mounting socket 133 to be engageable withthe collar 113. The collar 113 has a secant flat surface 114,longitudinally formed on the collar 113, which is generally cylindricalshaped, for example, as shown in FIG. 53.

The mounting socket 133 in the mounting adapter 132 of the attachment 10may also be formed with polygonal inside walls for engaging a polygonalprism (such as a triangular prism as shown in FIG. 54 of the collar 113of either a chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78), for coupling themounting cavity 132 of the attachment mechanism 10 onto the collar 113of the chuck or chuck adapter.

When using the power tool 5 with either chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16,84, or 78 for rotatably operating the attachment 10 as a screw driver,the attachment 10 may be inserted with a second bit device 36 such as aPhillip's tip. As shown in FIG. 51, the attachment 10 can have a drivingsocket 137 on a distal or outer end of the sleeve member 131. Theattachment 10 is coupled to either a chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84,or 78, by engaging the mounting adapter 132, which is formed on theproximal or inner end of the sleeve member 131, with the collar 113 ofchuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78. The mounting cavity 132 iseasily coupled to the collar 113 of chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84,or 78, without requiring any removal of the first bit device 22 from thechuck or chuck adapter. The ball recess 135 will be resiliently engagedwith the resilient ball 115 in the mounting socket 133 on the flatsurface 134 in the mounting adapter 132 to stably retain the attachment10 on the chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78 mounted in the powertool 5, or on the rotatable chuck mounted in a power tool 5.

The exemplary bit holding apparatus is particularly usable foralternately drilling pilot holes and driving fasteners 38 therein. Itcan also be used for many other different combinations of bit devicessuch as drilling and drilling, driving and drilling or driving anddriving. Alternating usage of the two held bit devices 22 and 36 isachieved by alternately mounting the attachment 10 for allowingoperation of the second bit device 36 and alternately removing theattachment 10 for allowing use of the first bit device 22.

The bit holding apparatus provides many very significant designs, it hasuniversal usage with respect to updated power tool attachments such askeyless rotatable chucks 16 and set screw mandrel chucks 84. As such,the bit holding apparatus further defines the use of an adapter 78detachably securable with respect to the rotatable chuck of a power tool5 directly or with respect to the rotatable keyless chuck 16 to providea means for mounting of various different bit devices 22 therewithinwhile at the same time also providing the rotatably driven mountingcollar 113, with at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least oneball recess 135 therein. The inclusion of the rotatably driven mountingcollar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ballrecess 135 will facilitate the rapid mounting and dismounting of theattachment 10 with respect to adapter 78 for allowing the driving ofindividual fasteners 38 into pilot holes immediately after each hole isindividually drilled. This is just one of many possible manners of usageof the apparatus.

The attachment device 10 preferably also defines a forward sleeve member131 which is designed to receive and retain a second bit device 36secured thereto by a forward bit securement means. In some embodiments,this second bit device will be a fastener driving means such as a hex,square or slotted screw driving bit. To facilitate the forward bitsecurement means retaining of a second bit device 36 therein, a holemeans may be defined therein, for example, with a hexagonalcross-section. This hexagonal cross-section will facilitate securementof various second bit devices 36 such as fastener driving devices withhexagonal driving shafts integrally formed therewith or attachedthereto. Also a magnet for retaining the second bit device 36 withrespect to the forward end of the forward sleeve member 131 may also beincluded in various configurations. Many second bit devices 36 caneasily be secured detachably to the forward end of the forward sleevemember 131 when used with the hexagonal shaped mounting holes adapted toreceive them. The attachment devices 10 may optionally also include setscrews for further maintaining detachable securement therewith of thesecond bit devices 36. Also set screws 80 can be utilized as shown inFIG. 62 to retain the first bit devices 22 with respect to an embodimentof the adapter 78 or a rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84 provided asa part of the apparatus. Such set screw bit retaining devices are usablewith respect to various configurations of set screw mandrel chucks 84and adapters as shown in the various Figures included herein.

An intermediate cavity may be included in the shank. The intermediatecavity can be part of the housing and can be integrally made as onepiece or from more than one piece of material. This intermediate cavitywill preferably be positioned in between the mounting cavity 132 and theforward sleeve member 131. The purpose of the intermediate cavity of theshank 96 is to allow the chuck or chuck adapter 112, 16, 84, or 78 to becapable of receiving those first bit devices 22 which are larger thanstandard twist drill bits, particularly those devices which are largerin diameter. Such first bit devices 22 may include larger bits such ascountersinking devices integral therewith, drill bits withself-centering guided enclosures or devices therearound, drill bits withcollet adapters or drill bits with hex-shaped drive shanks. All of thesebits are generally slightly larger in diameter than conventional roundtwist drill bits. Furthermore the intermediate cavity will more readilyreceive nut, nut setter or nut head driver bits or other similar bitswhich are usually significantly larger in diameter than standard twistdrill bits themselves.

Another aspect of the apparatus is the optional inclusion of a systemincluding a guide sleeve 66. This configuration is shown in FIGS. 55 and56 as an add-on device positionable around the forward sleeve member 131of the attachment device 10. The guide sleeve 66 is initially in theretracted storage position 68 as shown in FIG. 55 but is movable to theextended operative position 70 shown in FIG. 56 where it will be insurrounding engagement with respect to a second bit device 36 tofacilitate use thereof. In this manner, for example, driving offasteners into a substrate or other workpiece by a second bit device 36which can be a fastener driving bit device is greatly facilitatedbecause the alignment of securement between the fastener driving bit 36and the fastener 38 is properly maintained. The guide sleeve 66 may betelescopingly movable with respect to the portion of the housing whichdefines the forward sleeve member 131 therewithin.

The apparatus can also include, as a component thereof, a keyless chuck16, a set screw mandrel chuck 84, or an adapter 78 with a rotatablydriven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and atleast one ball recess 135 defined therein as shown best in FIGS. 80 and84. FIG. 74 shows the single sleeve keyless chuck and FIG. 75 shows thedouble sleeve keyless chuck, each of which includes the rotatably drivenmounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at leastone ball recess 135 defined therein. When this keyless chuck 16 or setscrew mandrel chuck 84 with a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, atleast one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 isprovided as a component or added item, the original equipment chuck froma power tool such as a drill or impact wrench could be removed andreplaced thereby. Alternatively, the provided rotatable keyless chuck 16or rotatable set screw mandrel chuck 84 with a rotatably driven mountingcollar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ballrecess 135 can replace the original equipment chuck or an adapter member78 can be mounted in the original equipment chuck as shown best in FIGS.82, 83, and 84. These three figures show an adapter 78 positioned withina single sleeve keyless chuck wherein each of the adapters has adifferent configuration, however each of which commonly defines arotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secant flat surface14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein. Thus, it should beappreciated that many of the chucks with rotatably driven mountingcollar 113, at least one secant flat surface 14 and at least one ballrecess 135 can be also used as adapters 78 and many adapters 78 can alsobe used as chucks having rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at leastone secant flat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135.

As discussed herein, the difference between an adapter 78 and a chuck isthat a chuck is mounted directly into the power tool 5 itself where asthe adapter is mounted into some other chucking device which itself ismounted in the power tool 5. For this purpose, an adapter may have amounting shaft adapted to be grasped by the chuck of a power tool. Anytype of mounting shaft that can be grasped by a keyed or keyless chuckof a power tool may be used, including for example, hexagonal, square orround shafts.

Thus, an adapter 78 can be mounted in any type of mated chuck in orderto provide a rotatably driven mounting collar 113, at least one secantflat surface 14 and at least one ball recess 135 defined therein thatcan mate with the mounting cavity 132 of an attachment 10. That chuck,within which the adapter 78 is mounted, can be original equipment or adevice provided in the accordance and along with the parts of thepresent subject matter or as a part optionally included in theapparatus.

Another manner of attaching the first bit devices 22 with respect to therotatable chuck or the adapter 78 is the use of a set screw 80 as shownin FIG. 67. In this design set screw 80 provides a set screw first bitretaining means.

FIG. 88 is a detailed side view of a keyless chuck adapter 9400 havingsix flat secant sides on the mounting section 9406 thereof. Adapter 9400includes a shaft 9402 adapted to be retained by the chuck of a powertool 10000 (FIG. 99). The shaft may be round, or have three, four, orsix flat sides, for example. The mounting section 9406 includes aretaining means, such as a peripheral groove 9408 adapted for insertioninto and engagement with a bit holding attachment 9500 (FIG. 89). Themounting section also has a plurality of gripping jaws 9410 which can beopened or closed by manual rotation of the peripheral sleeve 9404 of theadapter 9400, to securely grasp a first bit device without using a chuckkey or other tool.

FIG. 89 shows the bit holding attachment adapted for receiving themounting section 9406 of the adapter 9400. The attachment has a housing9501, a mounting cavity 9502, 9514 at its proximal end, and a forwardcavity 9516 near the distal end. The mounting cavity includes a portion9502 having at least on flat secant side to slidingly receive themounting section of the adapter 9400. The mounting cavity furtherincludes a means for engaging the locking means 9408 of the mountingsection 9406. For example if locking means 9408 is a peripheral groove,the means for engaging the locking means may be a ball 9504 biased by aspring 9505 (FIG. 90). A capping ring 9512 retains the ball 9504 andspring 9505 in the attachment 9400. A split spring 9510 is retained in acircumferential groove on housing 9501. Spring 9510 is receiving in agroove inside capping ring 9512 and acts as a stop to hold the cappingring. The intermediate cavity 9514, forward cavity 9516 and forward bitsecurement means 9518 may be similar to those described above withreference to the bit holding attachment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 90 is a sectional view of the bit holding attachment 9500 takenalong section line 90-90 of FIG. 89. The attachment 9500 has the sixsided receiving cavity 9502 with its flat secant sides 9501. The ball9504 and compression spring 9505 and capping ring 9512 are also shown.

FIG. 91 shows a variation of the attachment. Attachment 9700 has asix-sided receiving cavity 9702 with flat secant sides 9701, cappingring 9712 and ball 9704 similar to those discussed with reference toFIG. 89. Instead of a compression spring 9505, a circular split spring9706 and anti-clocking pin 9720 are provided.

FIG. 92 shows a variation of the attachment. Attachment 9800 has asix-sided receiving cavity 9802 with flat secant sides 9801, cappingring 9812 and ball 9804 similar to those discussed with reference toFIG. 89. Instead of a compression spring 9505, an o-ring 9807 isprovided, with a groove provided either on the housing or within thecapping ring.

FIG. 93 shows a variation of the attachment. Attachment 9900 has asix-sided receiving cavity 9902 with flat secant sides 9901, and ball9904 similar to those discussed with reference to FIG. 89. Instead of acapping ring 9512 and compression spring 9505, a circular elastomericsleeve 9812 (e.g., a rubber sleeve) is provided over the outer diameterof the housing.

FIGS. 94-97 show cross sections of several variations of the attachment9500 of FIG. 90. The cross section of each of FIGS. 94-97 is taken atabout the same longitudinal position as section line 90-90 in FIG. 89.Separate side views of these variations are not shown, but are readilyunderstood from the cross sections.

FIG. 94 shows a cross section of an attachment 10600 without the cappingring 9512 or means 9504 for engaging a retaining means. The attachment10600 has a six-sided interior cavity 10602 for receiving the mountingsection 9406 of chuck adapter 9400. The cavity 10602 is sized to providea snug fit, without a ball or pin for retention.

FIG. 95 shows a cross section of an attachment 10700, which is anothervariation of the attachment of FIG. 89. The attachment 10700 has a splitcircular spring 10703 as a holding device that engages groove 9408 onthe mounting section 9406. Alternatively, the split spring 10703 may beplaced on the periphery of mounting section 9406, for engaging theattachment.

FIG. 96 shows a cross section of an attachment 10800, which is anothervariation of the attachment of FIG. 89. The attachment 10800 has aradius pin 10809 and a biasing spring 10807 for engaging the groove 9408of mounting section 9406, in a similar fashion to the operation of ball9504 in FIG. 89. A capping ring 10805 retains the radius pin 10809 andbiasing spring 10807.

FIG. 97 shows a cross section of an attachment 10900 having a hexagonalmounting cavity 10902 with a sidewall 10901 and radius groove 10903 inthe cavity. The radius groove 10903 can receive a biased ball (notshown) on the mounting section of the chuck or chuck adapter, or a splitcircular spring.

FIG. 98. shows a cross section of an attachment 11000 which is anothervariation of the attachment 9500 of FIG. 89. The cross section of FIG.98 is taken at about the same longitudinal position as section line90-90 in FIG. 89, but facing in the opposite direction, towards thedistal end of the attachment. The attachment 11000 has a retaining ball11004 and a clamping ring 11004 with sufficient compliance to allow theball 11004 to retract sufficiently to pass over the mounting sectionwhen the attachment 11000 is mounted on the chuck or chuck adapter.

FIG. 99 shows a power tool 10000 having a keyed or keyless chuck 10002,with the chuck adapter 9500 inserted therein.

FIGS. 100-104 are front views showing four different shapes of themounting section 9505. FIG. 100 shows an adapter 10100 with a mountingsection 10102 that is generally circular, with a single flat secant side10103.

FIG. 101 shows an adapter 10200 with a mounting section 10202 that hasthree curved portions 10204, and three flat secant sides 10103.

FIG. 102 is a front view of the adapter 9400 of FIG. 88, having amounting section 9402 that has six flat secant sides 9403.

FIG. 103 is a front view of a variation of the adapter of FIG. 88. InFIG. 103, the adapter 10400 has a mounting section 10402 that has sixflat secant sides 10403. However, the locking means of adapter 10400 isa spring loaded ball 10405, instead of the groove 9408 in adapter 9400.An adapter 10400 is used in conjunction with a corresponding bit holdingattachment (not shown) similar to the attachment of FIG. 89, but havingan interior groove as a means for engaging the locking means, to receivethe ball 10405.

A variety of shapes may be used for the mounting section, such that thebit holding attachment can be slidably mounted over the mounting sectionof the adapter. Some of these shapes include at least one flat side. Forexample, the mounting section can having the shape of an N-sided rightprism, where N is any integer greater than two. Other suitable shapes donot include any flat side. For example, the mounting section may be anelliptic cylinder or other solid. The mounting section is configured sothat the intersection of the mounting section perimeter with any planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting section resultsin the same planar shape. The mounting cavity of the bit holdingattachment is shaped to slidably receive the mounting section of thekeyless chuck adapter while preventing relative rotation between themounting section and the bit holding attachment.

FIG. 104 is an example of another mounting section 10500, such that thebit holding attachment (not shown) can be slidably mounted over themounting section 10502 of the adapter. The mounting section 10502 isspline shaped. The mounting section also has a spring loaded ball 10509as a locking means. A corresponding bit holding attachment (not shown)includes a spline shaped opening at the distal end of its mountingcavity. A groove inside the mounting cavity is provided as the means forengaging the locking means (ball) 10509 of the mounting section.

FIG. 105 is a front view of an attachment having a variation of themounting cavity shown in FIG. 54. In FIG. 105, the mounting socket 133in the mounting adapter 132 of the attachment 10 is formed withpolygonal inside walls for engaging a polygonal prism (such as atriangular prism of the collar 113 of either a chuck or chuck adapter,not shown), for coupling the mounting cavity 132 of the attachmentmechanism 10 onto the collar 113 of the chuck or chuck adapter. In FIG.105, a groove 135 extends along a substantial portion of the length ofone of the sides of the triangular prism. The attachment of FIG. 105 maybe used with an adapter having a triangular prism with a raised ridgealong one side thereof, for engaging the groove 135.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in thedrawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes maybe made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elementsof the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understoodthat preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein areintended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention. The appended claims should be construed broadlyto encompass other variants and embodiments that may be constructed bythose of ordinary skill in the art within the scope and range ofequivalents of the invention.

1. Apparatus comprising: a keyless chuck adapter, the keyless chuckadapter having a longitudinal shaft sized and shaped to be grasped by amounting chuck of a power tool for rotational driving thereof, thekeyless chuck adapter being separate from the mounting chuck; thekeyless chuck adapter having a plurality of jaws configured to receive afirst bit device detachably mounted therebetween for powering rotationalmovement thereof, the keyless chuck adapter having a sleeve at an outercircumference of the keyless chuck adapter for opening and closing ofthe jaws for securely gripping bit devices of different sizes and shapeswithout using a key or tool; the keyless chuck adapter including amounting section defined thereon, having at least one flat secant side,the mounting section capable of being rotatably driven by the powertool, said mounting section including at least one retaining meansthereon or therein, said mounting section being adapted for insertioninto and engagement with a bit holding attachment; and a bit holdingattachment having: a mounting cavity sized and shaped to receive aportion of the keyless chuck adapter having the mounting section, themounting cavity having at least one flat secant side sized and shaped toreceive the flat secant side of the mounting section, the bit holdingattachment having means for engaging the retaining means of the mountingsection; and a forward bit securement means at an end of the bit holdingattachment opposite a mounting end thereof, for detachably receiving andretaining a second bit device therein.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the mounting section has at least three flat secant sides. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting section has six flatsecant sides.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bit holdingattachment includes a housing comprising a mounting end having themounting cavity defined therein, the mounting cavity open and facingoutwardly therefrom, said mounting cavity being adapted to receive anddetachably engage the mounting section of the keyless chuck adapter tobe movable therewith, said mounting cavity sized to receive at least aportion of the first bit device therewithin.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the attachment further comprises: a forward cavity betweenthe mounting cavity and the forward bit securement means, the forwardcavity adapted to receive a distal portion of the first bit device. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the attachment further comprises acylindrical intermediate cavity between the mounting cavity and theforward cavity, the intermediate cavity having a diameter larger than adiameter of the forward cavity and smaller than a correspondingdimension of the mounting cavity, the intermediate cavity adapted toreceive another portion of the first bit device.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises at least one aperture orperipheral groove, and the means for engaging the retaining meanscomprises: at least one retractable ball, and means for biasing theretractable ball towards a position in which the ball engages theaperture or peripheral slot.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising a retaining ring around a circumference of the attachment,the retaining ring preventing release of the ball and preventing releaseof the biasing means during rotation of the attachment.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the biasing means is shaped as a split circularspring.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment furthercomprises a securely mounted anti-clocking pin or integrally formedanti-clocking member that prevents rotation of the split circular springabout an axis of the attachment.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe forward bit securement means includes a magnetic element.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the mounting section has six flat secantsides, and the retaining means is a peripheral groove, said bit holdingattachment comprises a housing comprising the mounting cavity at amounting end of said housing, the mounting cavity having six flat sidesfor engaging the six flat secant sides of the mounting section; and themeans for engaging the retaining means comprises; at least oneretractable ball, a resilient biasing means positioned at or near saidmounting end of the housing, said resilient biasing means applying aforce to said retractable ball for resiliently urging thereof inwardlytoward the peripheral groove; and means over said resilient biasingmeans for retaining of said resilient biasing means.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the means for retaining the resilient biasing meanscomprises a capping ring slidably mounted on the mounting end of thehousing.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a guidesleeve on said housing adjacent a forward end thereof, said guide sleevebeing telescopingly movable longitudinally with respect to said housingbetween a retracted position encircling said housing and an extendedposition extending away from the power tool so as to extend around thesecond bit device for detachably retaining of a screw in the second bitdevice.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bit holdingattachment comprises: a housing comprising the mounting cavity at amounting end of said housing, and at least one retractable ball movablymounted within said housing and being extendable at least partially intosaid mounting cavity for extending thereof into an aperture or groove ofthe retaining means to engage the mounting section; said forward bitsecurement means comprising a magnetic element for retaining the secondbit device therein.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bitholding attachment comprises: a housing comprising the mounting cavityat a mounting end of said housing, the housing having a cylindricalintermediate cavity connected to and having a diameter smaller than acorresponding dimension of the mounting cavity, and a forward cavityconnected to and smaller in diameter than the intermediate cavity, saidhousing adapted to receive at least a portion of a first bit device byway of the intermediate cavity; and the engaging means includes at leastone retractable ball movably mounted within said housing and beingextendable at least partially into said mounting cavity for extendinginto a groove or aperture of the retaining means to engage the mountingsection;
 17. The attachment of claim 16, wherein the intermediate cavityis sized and shaped to receive a relatively larger diameter portion ofthe first bit device, and the forward cavity is sized and shaped toreceive a relatively smaller diameter distal portion of the first bitdevice.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve of the keylesschuck adapter is configured without teeth for engaging a chuck key. 19.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shaft of the keyless chuck adapteris a hexagonal shaft.
 20. Apparatus comprising: a keyless chuck adapter,the keyless chuck adapter having a longitudinal shaft sized and shapedto be grasped by a mounting chuck of a power tool for rotational drivingthereof, the keyless chuck adapter being separate from the mountingchuck; the keyless chuck adapter having a plurality of jaws configuredto receive a first bit device detachably mounted therebetween forpowering rotational movement thereof, the keyless chuck adapter having asleeve at an outer perimeter of the keyless chuck adapter for openingand closing of the jaws for securely gripping bit devices of differentsizes and shapes without using a key or tool; the keyless chuck adapterincluding a mounting section defined thereon, the mounting sectioncapable of being rotatably driven by the power tool, said mountingsection being adapted for slidable insertion into and engagement with abit holding attachment; and a bit holding attachment having: a mountingcavity sized and shaped to slidably receive the mounting section of thekeyless chuck adapter while preventing relative rotation between themounting section and the bit holding attachment; and a forward bitsecurement means at an end of the bit holding attachment opposite amounting end thereof, for detachably receiving and retaining a secondbit device therein.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said mountingsection includes at least one retaining means thereon or therein, andthe bit holding attachment having means for engaging the retaining meansof the mounting section to secure the bit holding attachment to themounting section during rotation thereof
 22. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein the mounting section has six flat sides, and the mounting cavityhas six sides to receive the mounting section.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the mounting section is spline shaped.